Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

What dermatome is associated with the umbilicus?

1. Dermatome T10

2. Dermatome L2

3. Dermatome S1

4. Dermatome L5

The correct answer is: Dermatome T10

The dermatome associated with the umbilicus is indeed T10. Dermatomes are areas of skin that are mainly supplied by a single spinal nerve root. T10 specifically corresponds to the area around the umbilicus, which is important for physical examination and understanding the innervation of the abdominal wall. Understanding the dermatome system is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions that involve nerve root lesions, as pain or sensory changes can be directly correlated with specific spinal cord segments. The T10 dermatome's relationship to the umbilicus can be particularly helpful in clinical practice, such as when assessing referred pain from abdominal organs or determining the level of spinal injuries. The other choices correspond to different regions of the body: L2 is associated with the upper anterior thigh, S1 corresponds to the lateral aspect of the foot and lower leg, and L5 relates to the dorsum of the foot. These associations highlight the importance of knowing dermatomal distributions in clinical diagnosis.